Published 09:30 IST, April 14th 2020
US Navy Secretary assigned aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt dies
Thomas Modly had reportedly resigned “of his own accord” as acting US Navy Secretary over mishandling of the disease outbreak onboard Roosevelt.
Acting Navy Secretary assigned aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier has reportedly died after he contracted the COVID-19 on March 30. This would be the first fatality as over 600 aboard the vessel got infected, the US Navy said in a statement. On April 9, a body was discovered unresponsive, later identified as Thomas Modly’s, and a CPR was administered. Due to complications, Modly was then transferred to the intensive care unit of the Navy's hospital in Guam, where he was declared dead.
"We mourn the loss of the Sailor from USS Theodore Roosevelt who died today, and we stand alongside their family, loved ones, and shipmates as they grieve," Chief of Naval Operations Admiral, Mike Gilday, was quoted as saying. “This is a great loss for the ship and for our Navy. My deepest sympathy goes out to the family, and we pledge our full support to the ship and crew as they continue their fight against the coronavirus," he further added.
Crozier was fired
A week ago, Thomas Modly had reportedly resigned “of his own accord” as acting Navy Secretary over mishandling of the disease outbreak onboard Roosevelt, one of two US aircraft carriers docked in western Pacific. Earlier, Roosevelt's captain, Brett Crozier, was dismissed from his duties by Modly over the chaotic response to the shipboard outbreak. His being fired was used as a warning that the incident made public could dangerously incapacitate much of the crew, according to US media reports. In addition, Modly reportedly delivered a speech amid the coronavirus crisis in which he insulted the skipper Crozier and criticized him for widely making public a letter via email that sought urgent navy action on the pandemic situation on the ship.
Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, gave condolences at Modley’s demise saying, "Our thoughts are with the family of the USS Theodore Roosevelt sailor who lost his battle with the virus today. We remain committed to protecting our personnel and their families while continuing to assist in defeating this outbreak," in an Official Defense Department statement.
(With AP Inputs)
Updated 09:30 IST, April 14th 2020